A KIDDERMINSTER couple who have fostered more than 30 dogs are encouraging other people to help give a dog a home.

Jane and Malcolm White, both 52, have been fostering animals for Irish Retriever Rescue (IRR) since 2008.

They are currently looking after an eight-year-old golden retriever, Rosie, while IRR seeks out a new home for her and the family want more people in Wyre Forest to open their homes to dogs.

Mrs White said they have also welcomed two dogs – Harvey and Tess – into their family because they “could not bear to let them go”.

“Some dogs are re-homed within a week, others take a little longer but usually no more than a month,” she added. “A few, however, have clearly been treated badly, in which cases we’ve lavished extra love and attention before they’ve been ready for a new family.

“Golden retrievers are largely easy to train, responsive, marvellous with kids and the most loving dogs imaginable.

“It’s inc redibly rewarding to know you’re preparing them for a new home, where they’ll get all the love they deserve.

“When they leave with their new owners and don’t look back, I just know they will be happy.”

The dog-loving family decided to give fostering a try in 2008 when daughter, Becky, found IRR on Google and say “the rest is history”.

Sandie Bissett, who runs IRR from her home in Ireland, said dogs taken in by the service needed to be given “a second chance”.

“Some of the dogs saved by us are shy and traumatised but most of them just need a little TLC before they are back to their usual, doggy self,” she added.

“That is what foster families help with.”

To find out more about fostering dogs, go online to irishretriever rescue.com